Having journeyed to all the sacred places upon this earth, I finally arrived in this revered region. There, before my eyes, rose the mountain known as Arunadri, and upon it stood the divine liṅga. I beheld the attendants of Śoṇādri, living simply on bulbs, roots, and fruits, their lives devoted to service and austerity. In ancient times, this very liṅga was first worshipped by Brahma himself, who, endowed with divine vision, recognized its sanctity. The Vedas, in their timeless wisdom, continually sing praises to you, O Lord of Arunadri—eternal one, embodiment of all the Vedas, and the very essence of immortality. You, compassionate to your devotees, holy one, destroyer of cities, are the goal of all seekers. Having attained you here on earth, there is no further austerity left to perform anywhere else. Even the gods themselves desire to dwell in this place, seeking your refuge and grace. All the austerities I have performed in my life find their fulfillment in the vision of you. Nowhere else upon the earth have I seen a liṅga formed as a mountain. O Lord of the gods, your great form shines forth as the embodiment of the three deities, and your wondrous liṅga—triangular in shape and composed of the essence of the three Vedas—stands revealed before me. It is manifest upon this portion of earth, renowned as the Śoṇādri mountain. You, ocean of compassion, bestow all enjoyments under various pretexts, granting all boons to those who worship you, just as you are worshipped ceaselessly by the gods. Overwhelmed by the terrors of worldly existence, I have sought refuge in you, O lover of devotees; rescue me, fulfill my purpose, O ocean of mercy, shelter of all beings. Moved by my devotion, he revealed to me his supreme, divine form and said, “Behold! May your abode always remain here, close to me. Through your austerities, display here the greatness of all penances. Worship me upon the Śoṇādri mountain, this portion of the earth. Endowed with constant worship, reveal my presence to the world. “Worship me with offerings and rituals as prescribed in the scriptures, with unwavering devotion. Let the earthly liṅga be revealed by you upon the surface of the earth. I am established in this sacred portion; I am truly very pleased with you. Among all, you are foremost on earth—reveal the worship of Śiva here.” With a humble and devoted heart, I addressed the compassionate Lord of Arunadri. “How shall I, a mere mortal, worship you today with offerings suitable for my station? O illustrious one, instruct me in the means by which you may be approached. Teach me the various forms of worship prescribed in the scriptures.” The all-pervading, compassionate one looked upon me with favor as I bowed before him. He said, “Worship the Lord known as Arunādrīśvara with the power of your austerities.” Then, Śiva revealed to me his form as the subtle liṅga, enveloped in all coverings, and my heart was filled with fulfillment and peace. In that moment, the forms prescribed in the scriptures faded from my view, and I turned again to the Lord. “O embodiment of compassion, O my master, may I truly know you myself. What is the hymn, what is the worship, and who are the attendants here? How does human worship of you continually increase? Be gracious, Supreme Lord, and command all that must be done yourself.” Thus, with reverence and devotion, I sought the Lord’s guidance at the sacred Arunadri, yearning to worship him in the manner most pleasing to him, and to reveal his greatness upon the earth.